Dinner doesn’t have to be expensive to be satisfying—this Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese proves it. For about $5 you can make a rich, comforting meal that blends creamy mac and cheese with savory sloppy joe meat for a family-friendly casserole the whole household will enjoy.
This recipe combines familiar flavors—ground meat simmered in a tangy tomato base with a touch of sweetness—tossed with boxed macaroni and cheese for an easy, no-fuss dinner. It’s fast to prepare, budget-friendly, and great for busy weeknights when you want something warm and filling without a lot of effort.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese:
- Meat: Ground turkey works well here, but lean ground beef is a fine substitute.
- Tomato: An 8 oz can of tomato sauce forms the base of the sloppy joe mixture.
- Pasta: A 12 oz box of your preferred macaroni and cheese provides the creamy pasta component.
- Sugar: Brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tomato sauce.
- Sauces: Yellow mustard and ketchup give the dish its classic sloppy joe flavor.
- Seasonings: Keep garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper on hand to season the meat and sauce.
How to make Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese:
Start by preparing the boxed macaroni and cheese according to the package directions so it’s hot and creamy when you combine it with the meat.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ½ lb ground turkey (or ground beef) until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the prepared macaroni and cheese to the skillet along with the tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1/4 cup ketchup, and the seasonings—1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and the sauce evenly coats the pasta and meat.
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about five minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with a little extra black pepper or a sprinkle of shredded cheese if you like.
How to store leftover sloppy joe pasta:
Fridge: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or a small knob of butter to restore creaminess if the pasta has dried out.
Tips and tricks to make Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese:
Meat options:
Ground turkey produces a leaner dish and cooks quickly, but lean ground beef or a blend of beef and pork will give a richer flavor. For a lighter version, consider turkey or even plant-based crumbles.
Ways to boost flavor and texture:
- Sauté diced onions and bell peppers with the meat for added sweetness and texture.
- Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for depth and umami.
- For a baked version, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
More pasta recipes:
- Slow Cooker Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
- One-Pot Italian Sausage Soup
- One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground turkey
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 12 oz box macaroni and cheese
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to package directions.
- Cook the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in the prepared macaroni and cheese, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, and seasonings until combined.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then serve hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.
Quick links for making dinner easy:
- Family meal plans to simplify weekly cooking
- Kitchen tools and essentials for faster prep
- A reliable cookbook with family-friendly dinner ideas
- Budget meal plans and shopping tips
- Short cooking videos and tutorials
If you try this Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese, share your experience and photos on social media—it’s a great dish to feed picky eaters and satisfy anyone craving comfort food. Enjoy a warm, cheesy bowl that’s both affordable and full of flavor.